With every new beginning comes an opportunity to do more, learn more, and reach higher achievements. Throughout this year, we’ve shared many experiences, explored new possibilities, and have been in pursuit of change for the better. At the 97th Kansas FFA Convention, we’re excited to share our passion to serve and advocate for agriculture and inspire others to pursue innovative ideas, grow to reach their potential, and develop a vision to seek opportunities.
FFA is an organization with countless opportunities to explore, experiences to pursue, and where many memories are made. Whether this is your first year in FFA, your last State Convention in the blue jacket, or if you’re an alumni, supporter or guest, this only marks the beginning of another profound and exciting year for the Kansas FFA Association. With more than 13,700 members across the State and 235 chapters, Convention is an important moment to recognize the work of our members, advisors, and supporters throughout the year, showcasing and celebrating their notable accomplishments.
As the iconic blue corduroy jackets flood Manhattan, get ready to seek, innovate, and grow in all areas of FFA and agriculture at the 97th Kansas FFA Convention!
Front, from left: Clay Guttery, Osborne FFA Chapter, Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication Proficiency Award Finalist and Star in Agribusiness Finalist; Jansen Gerstner, Frankfort, Nursery Operations Proficiency Award Finalist.
Back, from left: Hays FFA Chapter members taught local 4th graders about animal care and ag safety during a hands-on presentation at Pa’s Pumpkin Patch; Cheney FFA Chapter members decorated light poles with corn stalks, scarecrows, and ag fact cards to promote agricultural literacy throughout the community.
Welcome to the state’s largest annual agricultural student convention. As one of more than 2,500 attendees, you have a key role in creating history in Manhattan. As you can see by the pages of this guidebook, many things are going on throughout our host city this week. Challenge yourself to make the most of this state convention! It showcases how the Kansas FFA Association is developing its members’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
The following groups are taking an active role in the convention. Special thanks to those of you who make a positive difference in the lives of today’s youth by offering your time and skills to the Kansas FFA Convention!
• FFA members, more than 2,250 strong, are in Manhattan this week to observe and participate in the activities.
• FFA delegates, 325 elected chapter representatives of 18,750 agriculture students will vote on issues that affect the direction and operation of the Kansas FFA Association.
• FFA advisors, representing 301 chapter advisors—the core of influence, strength and progress in agricultural education and FFA.
• Teacher educators, who prepare agriculture instructors.
• State FFA Degree recipients, representing the highest achievement in the state association, are being recognized for their success, personal development and establishment in agriculture and agribusiness careers.
• Award and Career Development Event winners have set high goals and worked diligently to achieve recognition provided by the State and National FFA Foundations.
• Band and Chorus, more than 85 members from across the state, will provide musical entertainment for convention participants and fulfill an important program role.
• Parents have demonstrated their support of the FFA and recognized its value by encouraging their sons and daughters to participate fully in FFA activities.
• Sponsors invest in the future of today’s youth and agriculture by providing personal support and funds for FFA activities and incentive awards.
• Judges and assistants aid in conducting state judging contests and selecting state winners in FFA award programs and contests.
• Press, radio and TV representatives tell the story of active youth involvement in the agriculture industry through the media.
• FFA Alumni represent former FFA members and friends of the FFA who demonstrate continued support to the organization that contributed much to their personal success.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Dress and Conduct . . .
All FFA members are to be in complete official dress for the State FFA Convention. Please refer to the FFA Code of Ethics for complete official dress requirements. Courtesy Corps will be watching for proper official dress as you enter the convention auditorium. People form their first impression of you and your chapter based on your conduct and appearance. Proper conduct and a neat appearance will continue to build the positive image of the FFA. Here are some guidelines to follow for proper conduct and official dress at our convention.
• Respect the rights and property of others.
Show pride in being a member of the FFA.
Your FFA jacket should be kept clean and neat at all times. The FFA jacket must be worn with the zipper fastened to the top, collar turned down and the cuffs should be in place and buttoned. Keep scarves and ties tied at all times.
Official Dress for an FFA member includes:
An official FFA jacket zipped to the top.
• Black slacks and black socks/nylons or black skirt and black nylons.
• White collared blouse or white collared shirt.
Official FFA tie or official FFA scarf.
Black dress shoes with closed heel and toe.
Courtesy Corps . . .
Throughout Convention, FFA members serve on the Courtesy Corps. A yellow Courtesy Corps badge identifies these individuals. If you have questions during convention, please feel free to ask these FFA members.
McDonald’s Blue & Gold Conclave …
Join the members and chapters who have been selected from the Agriscience Fair and National Chapter applications as having an innovative idea, or project. These members will showcase their experiences to inspire opportunities for other Kansas FFA members in the K-State Union on Wednesday at 11 am, Thursday and Friday at 12:30 pm.
FFA Hall of Champions . . .
The Supervised Agricultural Experience programs of the National Proficiency winners and finalists will be highlighted at State Convention. Displays featuring their programs will be featured throughout convention in the McCain Auditorium lobby. We will also be highlighting the achievements of chapters that were named Premier Chapter finalists at the National FFA Convention this past fall. Take a minute to look at the finalist applications for the Agriscience Fair, National Chapter, Proficiency and Star recognitions by scanning the QR code on their respective display. We hope providing these applications in the Hall of Champions serve as an inspiration and learning opportunity for all members.
Connect . . .
Get updates throughout convention at www.ksffa.org/convention, on X @KansasFFA, Facebook facebook.com/ksffa, Snapchat ksffa, and Instagram @ksffa. Include the hashtag #KSFFA in your tweets, Instagram photos and Facebook posts to share your convention experience.
Watch Live and Later . . .
Watch every session of the 96th Kansas FFA Convention live on AcresTV! Download the free AcresTV app on your smartphone or table, watch online at www.watchacrestv.com, or watch on your connected TV (Roku, FireTV or AppleTV) with the free. app
Official photos will be available for download at flickr.com/ksffa
*Events with an asterisk require a ticket or pre-registration for admission.
TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025
8:30 am - State Band & Chorus Check-In and Rehearsal
5:00 pm McCain Auditorium, Rooms 201 & 204
9:00 am Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event Report to Justin Hall, Room 109
5:15 pm State Band & Chorus Pizza Party
McCain Loft
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025
8:00 am Prepared Public Speaking
Leadership Development Event – Preliminary Round Business Building, Rooms 1070, 1078, 2101 and 2103
8:00 am
Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Leadership Development Event – Preliminary Round Business Building, Rooms 3082, 3083, 3096 and 3097
8:30 am- Convention Band & Chorus Rehearsal
5:00 pm McCain Auditorium, Rooms 201 & 204
9:00 am Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Leadership Development Event
Justin Hall, Room 109
10:00 am Employment Skills Leadership Development Event Report to Business Building, Room 4062
10:00 am Leadership Development Workshop
Caroline Groth, National FFA Eastern Region Vice President K-State Student Union, Bluemont Room
10:00 am *K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop Savor the Flavor
10:30 am Ag Issues Forum Leadership Development Event
Business Building, Room 1092
10:30 am Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Leadership Development Event – Semi-Finals Business Building, Rooms 3096 and 3097
10:45 am Opportunity Fair Grand Opening
K-State Student Union, Grand Ballroom Foyer
11:00 am- 25th Annual Kansas FFA Opportunity Fair
4:00 pm K-State Student Union, Grand Ballroom
Sponsored by the Kansas Bankers Association
See list of exhibitors, page 17
11:00 am Convention Registration Opens
McCain Auditorium Lobby
11:00 am McDonald’s Blue & Gold Conclave – Session 1
K-State Student Union, Big 12 Room
Sponsored by McDonald’s of the Southern Plains
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
*K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop Flour Power
*K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop The Daily Grind to Make Daily Bread
*K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop
Feed Your Curiousity – What is that tall building?
11:30 am Prepared Public Speaking
Leadership Development Event – Semi-Finals
Business Building, Rooms 2100 and 2101
12:00 noon Convention Delegate Process Begins
K-State Student Union, Forum Hall
Dress code for all delegate activities is official dress.
11:30 am Delegate Registration Opens
12:15 pm Delegate Session Begins
1:00 pm State Officer Candidate Facilitations with Delegates
2:45 pm Business Session
3:30 pm Meet the Candidates Session
4:30 pm Committee Meetings
5:15 pm Committee Reports
5:30 pm Adjourn
12:30 pm
*Hands-On Service Activity
St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center
1:00 pm Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event Report to Business Building, Room 3082
1:00 pm
1:00 pm
1:00 pm
*K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop The Daily Grind to Make Daily Bread
*K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop Feed Your Curiousity – What is that tall building?
* K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop
Unlock Your Potential #TeachAg
1:30 pm Invitational Spanish Creed Speaking
Leadership Development Event
Business Building, Room 1092
1:30 pm Career Development Workshop: Voices in the Field: Advocating for Agriculture and Shaping Policy
1:45 pm
K-State Alumni Center, Purple Pride Room (3rd Fl.)
*Hands-On Service Activity
St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center
2:00 pm Leadership Development Workshop
Caroline Groth, National FFA Eastern Region Vice President
K-State Alumni Center, Tadtman Board Room (2nd Fl.)
W EDNESDAY , M AY 28, 2025
2:00 pm
*K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop
Flour Power
2:00 pm Deadline to submit scrapbooks for evaluation
McCain Auditorium, Convention Registration Desk
3:00 pm Creed Speaking Career Development Event Finals
Business Building, Room 1078
3:00 pm Courtesy Corps Meeting
3:30 pm
McCain Auditorium Lobby
Leadership Development Workshop
Ag in a Bag: Big Ag Lessons in Small Packages!
K-State Alumni Center, Tadtman Board Room (2nd Fl.)
5:45 pm District Officer McCain Preview
McCain Loft
We ask all session attendees to please stay seated throughout the entire session and award winners return to their seats after being recognized on stage.
Member attire in McCain Auditorium will be Official Dress. It will be strictly followed for all stage appearances and award or prize recognitions.
OPENING SESSION
McCain Auditorium
7:00 pm Laser Light Show
Sponsored by K-State College of Agriculture
Posting of Colors
National Anthem
Opening Ceremony
Welcome to Kansas State University
Presentation of Chapter Charters
Creed Public Speaking LDE Recognition
Creed presented by State Creed Speaking Finalists
In Honor of Robert and Melva Armbruster by their Family
Invitational Spanish Creed Speaking Recognition
Sponsored by Carmelita Goossen in honor of her mother
Maria (Belia Treviño) Goossen and father Ervin Goossen
State Secretary’s Retiring Address
Quinn Browning “Everything in Time”
Parliamentary Procedure LDE Recognition
Sponsored by CHS Foundation
Conduct of Chapter Meetings LDE Recognition
Presentation of State Officer Candidates Speeches Closing Ceremony
9:00 pm- *FFA Night at LEAP Trampoline Park 11:00 pm 3011 Anderson Ave
9:30 pm *Convention Kick-Off Concert
The Hat, 1315 Laramie St (Aggieville) Sponsored in part by Yoder Meats
Slade Coulter
Dress code for the concert is as follows: Jeans of a solid color with no logos, designs, rips, or holes with either unaltered (1) Kansas FFA issued or purchased t-shirt; (2) Chapter FFA issued or purchased shirt; (3) a FFA event issued or purchased t-shirt or (4) button-down/ collared shirt.
• No midriffs exposed. No shorts allowed.
Members arriving at the concert in clothing that does not meet the above listed code will not be allowed to enter until dressed appropriately.
THURSDAY, MAY 29,
2025
7:00 am Convention Registration Reopens
7:00 am
McCain Auditorium, Lobby
State Officer Candidate Breakfast
McCain Auditorium, Loft
Sponsored by K-State College of Agriculture
SECOND SESSION
McCain Auditorium
8:30 am Laser Light Show
Sponsored by K-State College of Agriculture
Opening Ceremony
Presented by the Winning Chapter in the Conduct of Chapter Meetings LDE
Innovative Ideas in Building Communities
State Vice President’s Retiring Address
Hayley Hines “Write Your Love Story”
Kansas FFA Foundation Board of Trustees Recognition
Leadership Information Recognition
Recognition of SAE Grant Recipients
Sponsored by donors to the National and Kansas FFA Foundations
KAAE Essay and Video Awards
Recognition of Teacher Service to KAAE and Districts
Golden Owl Awards
Sponsored by Nationwide Insurance
Special Remarks
Sponsored by Harris Crop Insurance, Kevin & Rosemary Harris
Josiah Cruikshank
State Proficiency Award Recognition
Sponsored by CHS Foundation
Agricultural Communications through Diversified Livestock Production
See finalists and sponsors, page 19
Closing Ceremony
10:00 am Leadership Development Event Finals Stage
K-State Student Union, Wildcat Chamber
Open to the Public
10:00 am Discussion Meet
11:00 am Extemporaneous Public Speaking
1:00 pm Prepared Public Speaking
10:00 am Career Development Workshop
What Can You Do with a Law Degree & How Fast (and Cheap) Can You Get One?
K-State Student Union, Big 12 Room
10:00 am Middle Grades Experience
K-State Student Union, Flinthills Room
10:00 am Workshop
Caroline Groth, National FFA Eastern Region VP
10:45 am Workshop
Josiah Cruikshank, Past National FFA Officer
11:30 pm Quiz Bowl
10:30 am Marketing Plan Career Development Event
K-State Student Union, Room 226
10:30 am *K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop Crops and Weeds in Agronomy
12:00 noon *Proficiency Award Luncheon
K-State Alumni Center, Banquet Room
Presenting sponsor CHS Foundation
12:30 pm McDonald’s Blue & Gold Conclave – Session 2
K-State Student Union, Big 12 Room
Sponsored by McDonald’s of the Southern Plains
1:30 pm Leadership Development Workshop
Josiah Cruikshank
K-State Student Union, Big 12 Room
THIRD SESSION
McCain Auditorium
2:00 pm Laser Light Show
Sponsored by K-State College of Agriculture
Opening Ceremony
State Proficiency Award Recognition
Sponsored by CHS Foundation
Equine Science - Entrepreneurship through Wildlife Production and Management
See finalists and sponsors, page 19
State Reporter’s Retiring Address
Mason Springer “Take Your Chance”
Recognition of Kansas FFA Foundation Sponsors
Recognition of Chapter Seed Program
Recognition of Middle Grades Quiz Bowl Teams
Scrapbook Awards
Employment Skills LDE Recognition
Sponsored by Ag 1 Source
Agriscience Student Recognition
Sponsored by AGCO, Pioneer and Merck Animal Health
Innovative Ideas in Growing Leaders
Recognition of Presidential CTE Scholars
Special Remarks
Caroline Groth National FFA Eastern Region Vice President
Scholarship Presentations
Kansas FFA Alumni
Washington Leadership Conference
John Deere Gator Finalist Drawing
Closing Ceremony
2:30 pm Career Development Workshop
Your Role, Your Impact:
Engaging with Kansas Farm Bureau
K-State Student Union, Flinthills Room
5:30 pm
State Convention Band & Chorus Concert
McCain Auditorium
Sponsored by Blue & Gold Sausage
State Convention Band
Directed by Alex McMahon, Andover Central High School
State Convention Chorus
Directed by Kristin Chisham, Douglass High School
6:45 pm
Band & Chorus Recognition
K-State Student Union, Wildcat Chambers
Sponsored by Hildebrand Dairy
FOURTH SESSION
McCain Auditorium
7:00 pm Laser Light Show
Sponsored by K-State College of Agriculture
Opening Ceremony
State Sentinel’s Retiring Address
Natalee Bray
“Exactly As You Are”
Honorary State FFA Degree Ceremony
Presentation of VIP Citations
Recognition of Discussion Meet Winners
Sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau
Recognition of Ag Issues Forum LDE Winner
Sponsored by Kansas Corn
Extemporaneous Speaking LDE Recognition
Sponsored by Landoll, Inc.
Prepared Public Speaking LDE Recognition
Sponsored by Kansas FFA Alumni & Supporters
Innovative Ideas in Strengthening Agriculture
Keynote Speaker
Sponsored by Rick Malir and Bonnie Coley-Malir
A’ric Jackson
Closing Ceremony
THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025
9:00 pm Ignite the Night at the Rec
Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex
Kansas FFA Alumni Dodgeball Tournament, Pickle Ball, 3 on 3 Basketball, Sand Volleyball, Cornhole, Music, Chris Cakes, and more!
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025
7:15 am Convention Registration Reopens
McCain Auditorium, Lobby
FIFTH SESSION
McCain Auditorium
8:00 am Laser Light Show
Sponsored by K-State College of Agriculture
Opening Ceremony
Presented by the 1999-2000 State Officer Team
State Treasurer’s Retiring Address
Zoë Rhodes “No Perfect People”
National Chapter Award Recognition
State of the State Remarks
Leadership Quiz Bowl Award
Marketing Plan CDE Recognition
Recognition of Kansas Chapters Participating in National Career Development Events and High Individuals
Recognition of Career Development Events
Sweepstakes Winners
Scholarship Presentations
Ashley Austin Memorial Scholarship
June Beaver Foundation Scholarship
Leslie Krehbiel Leadership Scholarship
Mayo Family Scholarship
Reinhardt Family Fund Scholarship
Yoder Meats Scholarship
Ford Trucks FFA Scholarships
National FFA Scholarships
Closing Ceremony
10:30 am
10:30 am
10:30 am
*Hands-On Service Activity
St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center
*K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop
Making a Career Out of an Agriscience Fair Project: The Dos and Don’ts
*K-State College of Agriculture Interactive Workshop
Savor the Flavor
SIXTH SESSION
McCain Auditorium
10:30 am Laser Light Show
Sponsored by K-State College of Agriculture
Opening Ceremony
Special Remarks
Alyssa Walsh
State FFA Degree Ceremony
Sponsored by Kansas Electric Cooperatives
Presentation will begin with the South Central District. See degree recipients, page 21
Drawing for Gator Giveaway
Sponsored by John Deere Agriculture and Turf Division, American Implement, BTI, Carrico Implement Inc., Heritage Tractor, Inc., Hiawatha Implement, Landmark Implement, Inc, Keating Tractor, and PrairieLand Partners
Closing Ceremony
Immediately following Sixth Session:
State FFA Degree Picture
McCain Auditorium
11:00 am Past State Officer Reunion
Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art
12:00 noon *Stars Over Kansas Luncheon
K-State Alumni Center, Banquet Rooms A & D
Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas
12:30 pm McDonald’s Blue & Gold Conclave – Session 3
K-State Student Union, Flinthills Room
Sponsored by McDonald’s of the Southern Plains
SEVENTH SESSION
McCain Auditorium
2:00 pm Laser Light Show
Sponsored by K-State College of Agriculture
Opening Ceremony
State Convention Band
Directed by Alex McMahon, Andover Central High School
Sponsored by Blue & Gold Sausage
State President’s Retiring Address
Jory Ratzlaff
“Directions We Define”
Presentation of Triple Crown Awards
Presentation of Garlow Memorial Trophy
Sponsored by the Bill Garlow Family in memory of Bob Garlow
State Convention Chorus
Directed by Kristin Chisham, Douglass High School
Sponsored by Blue & Gold Sausage
“Stars over Kansas” Pageant
Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas
Announcement of State Stars
Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, United Bank & Trust, and Kansas Farm Bureau
Recognition of 2024-2025 State FFA Officers
Sponsored by Kansas FFA Alumni
Officer Scholarship Presentation
Sponsored by McDonald’s of the Southern Plains
Election of 2025-2026 State FFA Officers
Recognition of Past State Officers
Installation of 2025-2026 State FFA Officers
Greetings – New State President
Closing Ceremony
20 Minutes following Seventh Session: Blue and Gold Celebration K-State Alumni Center
OPPORTUNITY FAIR EXHIBITORS
4 Seasons Fundraising
Ag Partners Cooperative
AGCO Corporation
Alpha of Clovia Alumni Board
Berry Companies, Inc.
Cargill, Inc.
Catholic Rural Life
Central Valley Ag
CFS Kansas City
Colby Community College
Concordia University
Cowley College
Department of Grain Science
Ducks Unlimited
Emprise Bank
Farm Credit Associations of Kansas
Fellowship of Christian Farmers
Foley Equipment Company
Fort Hays State University
Fresh Country
Grass & Grain
Harris Crop Insurance
Health Innovation Network of Kansas
Heritage Tractor
HME - Haas Metal Engineering, TFI - Topeka Foundry & Iron Works
Hutchinson Community College
John Deere
Kalvesta Implement Company, Inc.
KanEquip
Kansas Bankers Association
Kansas Cooperative Council
Kansas Corn
Kansas Department of Agriculture
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Kansas Forest Service
Kansas Society of Land Surveyors
Kansas Soybean Commission
Kansas State University
Kansas State University Agricultural Education Club
Kansas State University Salina Campus
Kansas State University, Carl R. Ice College of Engineering
Kansas State University, College of Health and Human Services
Kansas Teach Ag
Kanza Cooperative Association
KEY Apparel
K-State Animal Sciences & Industry
K-State Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics
KSU College of Agriculture
Landmark Implement, Inc
Little Ol’ Cookie House
Merck Animal Health
Missouri Welding Institute
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
Northeastern Junior College
Northwest Lineman College
Oklahoma Panhandle State University
PrairieLand Partners
Pratt Community College
Purple Wave Auction
S&S Rock Crushing, Inc.
Salina Area Technical College
Seitz Fundraising
Southeast Community College
SurePoint Ag Systems
Tarleton State University
Tonja’s Toffee
UEI Group
University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
West Texas A&M Department of Ag Sciences
Wyotech
STATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS
IN AGRICULTURE WINNERS
Agricultural Communications Team—Cheney Sponsored by KFRM 550 AM
Agricultural Sales Team—Ellsworth
Top Individual—Josie Kueser, Ellsworth Sponsored by SurePoint Ag Systems
Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems Team—Prairie View
Top Individual—Kimball Uphoff, Prairie View Sponsored by Berry Companies
Agronomy Team—Washington County
Top Individual—Audra Oborny, LaCrosse Sponsored by Kansas Grain and Feed Association and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association
Dairy Cattle Evaluation & Management Team—Spring Hill
Top Individual—Ryan Mongeau, Stockton Sponsored by Royal Farms Dairy Entomology Team—Yates Center
Top Individual—Emily Hare, Buhler Sponsored by Pioneer
Environmental & Natural Resource Team—Jefferson County North Sponsored by Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission
Farm & Agribusiness Management Team—Paola
Top Individual—Kayden Worthey, Paola Sponsored by AgMark, LLC
Floriculture Team—Manhattan
Top Individual—Easton Ford, Manhattan Sponsored by CHS Foundation
Food Science & Technology Team—Louisburg
Top Individual—Heidi White, Stanton County
Forestry Team—Holton
Horse Evaluation Team—Ellsworth
Top Individual—Katherin Bormann, Manhattan
Livestock Evaluation Team—Wabaunsee
Top Individual—Tucker Leck, Neodesha Sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition
Meats Evaluation & Technology Team—Eureka
Top Individual—Addison Westerman, Eureka Sponsored by Cargill
Milk Quality & Products Team—Louisburg
Top Individual—Maura Rockers, Anderson County Sponsored by Midwest Dairy Nursery / Landscape Team—Washington County
Top Individual—Makenna Elliott, Washington County
Poultry Evaluation Team—Spring Hill
Top Individual—Samantha Roberts Dildine, Caney Sponsored by Amos Kahr Trust
Veterinary Science Team—Louisburg
Top Individual—Katherin Bormann, Manhattan Sponsored by Zoetis/Animal Health International
National Land, Homesite & Range Evaluation Teams: Bucklin, Buhler, Hays, Holton, Jackson Heights, Jayhawk-Linn, La Crosse, South Haven, Stockton, and Yates Center
Sponsored by John Deere U.S. Ag, A Division of Deere & Company and Kansas Society of Land Surveyors
STATE PROFICIENCY AWARD FINALISTS
The agricultural proficiency award program recognizes excellence in supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs. The program rewards FFA members at the local, district, state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments in progressing toward specific career objectives in agriculture.
Entrepreneurship program (E): For FFA members whose SAE involves owning an agricultural production operation or agribusiness enterprise.
Placement program (P): For FFA members whose SAE involves working for others for wages or experience.
We would like to honor all the district proficiency applications that were considered for state evaluation. Please note that in some cases members won two areas on the district level and were able to select their first proficiency area to be reviewed for state evaluation. If they won that area their second application was removed from consideration. If they were not selected as a winner in their first area of consideration their second application was then reviewed.
Agricultural Communications (E/P)
Lillian Hulse, Minneapolis
Sophia Kasella, Ashland
Blaine King, Crest
Sponsored by Kansas Farmer Magazine
Agricultural Education (E/P)
Nora Bosse, Wamego
Maggie Chandler, Neodesha
Josie Strauss, Chapman
Sponsored by Harmon Bliss Family and Kurt Dillon Family
Agricultural Mechanics
Design and Fabrication (E/P)
Parker Embree, Prairie View
Clay Guttery, Osborne
Gavyn Ryals, Clay Center
Sponsored by Kan-Equip
Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance (P)
Gage Elliott, Buhler
Joseph Kern, Washington County
Jorgan Schiltz, Oakley
Sponsored by KanEquip
Agricultural Processing
Eve Bailey, Sabetha
Isabella Stolle, Prairie View
Sponsored by Santa Fe Trail Meats
Agricultural Sales (E)
Cooper Burling, Eudora
Sponsored by Harris Crop Insurance
Agricultural Sales (P)
Landon Albrecht, Southeast of Saline
Kara Helms, Paola
Mason Taylor, Maize
Sponsored by Stewart Family Farm
Agricultural Services (E/P)
Brittney Dibben, Junction City Kruce Liddeke, Norwich
Sophia Wedel, Leoti
Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas
Agriscience Research –Plant Systems
Keira Gliniecki, Junction City
Sponsored by PioneerCorteva Agriscience
Beef Production (E)
Dustin Denton, Valley Heights
Tava Gustafson, Chapman
Emma Karst, Russell Sponsored by Sam & Janet Hands
Beef Production (P)
Will Donley, Ellsworth
Adelaide Haverkamp, Nemaha Central
Jackson McCurry, Andale
Sponsored by Tiffany Cattle Co.
Dairy Production (E)
Lauren Benfer, Clay Center
Alexandria Kester, Royal Valley Sponsored by Kansas Dairy Commission
Dairy Production (P)
Lauren Benfer, Clay Center
Lauren Bowles, Sabetha
Krysten Hamby, Buhler
Sponsored by Kansas Dairy Commission
S TATE P ROFICIENCY AWARD F INALISTS
Diversified Agricultural Production (E/P)
Curtis Herzog, Little River
Mason Springer, Neodesha Lucas White, Holton
Sponsored by Triangle H Farms –In Memory of Greg Hands
Diversified Crop Production (P)
Kourtney Dibben, Junction City
Arika Feldman, Little River
Gavin Foster, Labette County
Sponsored by Kansas Corn
Diversified Horticulture (E/P)
Dakota Hittle, Royal Valley
Emilee Remmers, Centre
Sponsored by MTI Greenhouse Solutions
Diversified Livestock Production (E/P)
Sebastian Castillo, Garden City
Maggie Chandler, Neodesha Lora Larison, Holton Sponsored by Hutchinson Community College
Equine Science (E)
Alexandra Buckley, Chapman Cashlee Smith, Labette County
Sponsored by Harms Plainview Ranch
Equine Science (P)
Mary Jane Britz, Prairie View
Aubrey Kirmse, Perry-Lecompton
John Svaty, Ellsworth
Sponsored by United Mosquito and Fly Control
Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production (E/P)
Kourtney Dibben, Junction City Sponsored by Kansas Soybean
Forage Production (E/P)
Avarielle Hightower, Prairie View
Sierra Hill, Labette County
Karson Sasse, Smith Center
Sponsored by Kansas Forage and Grassland Council, Inc.
Forest Management & Products (E/P)
McKenzie Baker, Washington County
Dalton Lingenfelter, Marais des Cygnes Valley Sponsored by Kansas Forest Service
Fruit and Nut Production (E/P)
Bree Allen, Prairie View
Abigail Gaston, Chapman Sponsored by Sturgis Enterprises
Goat Production (E/P)
Kadance Shelton, Prairie View
Erika Wiese, Cheney
Olivia Sprang, Valley Falls Sponsored by Kevin Davis Family
Grain Production (E/P)
Gage Sorensen, Garden City
Aiden Sweet, Clay Center
Sponsored by Kansas Wheat Commission
Landscape Installation (E/P)
Noah Bartel, Holton
Sponsored by Lawrence Landscape
Nursery Operations (E/P)
Jansen Gerstner, Frankfort
Sponsored by Hummert International
Outdoor Recreation (E/P)
Ellie Baska, Paola
Estelle Bass, Perry-Lecompton
Sponsored by John Deere
Poultry Production (E/P)
Kaylee Eberhart, Labette County
Kennedy Moreland, Junction City
Audra Oborny, LaCrosse Sponsored by Tractor Supply Co.
Service Learning (E/P)
Landon Baetz, Lakeside
Ava Gustin, Mission Valley Sponsored by Seitz Fundraising
Sheep Production (E/P)
Emily Dryden, Holcomb
David Hays, Perry-Lecompton
Cashlee Smith, Labette County
Sponsored by Hobbs Show Lambs
Small Animal Production & Care (E/P)
Sadie Ellis, Prairie View
Shianne Kimball, Holton
Maggie Votruba, Greeley County Sponsored by Animal Health Center of Marion County
Swine Production (E)
Ashton Neill, Atchison County
Ethan Petersilie, LaCrosse
Kallynn Stroup, Prairie View
Sponsored by Kansas Pork Association
Swine Production (P)
Jacob DeRouchey, Wamego
Conner Hoelting, Mission Valley
Natalie Sleichter, Clay Center
Sponsored by Kansas Pork Association
Turf and Landscape
Maintenance (E/P)
Noah Bartel, Holton
Stratton Draper, Paola
Lizzy Vajnar, Hays
Sponsored by Sod Shop Inc.
Vegetable Production (E/P)
Lily Wiley, Labette County
Sponsored by
From the Land of Kansas Program
STATE FFA DEGREES
Veterinary Science (E/P)
Kara Cape, Hutchinson CTE Academy
Adelaide Haverkamp, Nemaha Central Adalyn Pfizenmaier, Clay Center
Sponsored by Kansas Veterinary Medical Association
Wildlife Production and Management (E/P)
Jaya Fiscus, Labette County
Payton Huffman, Buhler
Colby Stoller, Sabetha
Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited
The State FFA Degree is the highest degree that any state association may bestow on its members. The golden charm of the State FFA Degree is the symbol of growth and development in the member’s chosen occupation.
East Central
RaeLynn Morrison Anderson County
Brody Barnes
Colton Bennett
Brooklynn Hughes
Keaton Katzer
Brooke Kent
Cheyenne Sears
Emma Self
Jaden Teter
Owen Thompson
Kaylee Briggs Burlingotn
William Hazen
Chance Hegg
Mackenzie Krueger
Kyzer Lehmann
Haylei Potter
D’Anna Raymer
Brayden Riggs
Kahne Truelove
Ethan Kimball Central Heights
Blaine King Crest
Josie Walter
Cooper Burling Eudora
Mia Dixon
Kynlee Dressler
Kyleigh Heikes
Pete Neis
Allyson Rietcheck
Breahnna Dawson Jayhawk-Linn
Adeline Randall
Celeste Schneider
Eleanor Vaughn
Jude Wade
Kaylee Wisdom
Breck Umphenour
Denton White
Ethan Kneisler
Dakota Brown
Kenady Deever
Ava Gustin
Conner Hoelting
Kyplee Jacobson
Lyndon
Mission Valley
Mission Valley
Mariah Anstey North Lyon County
Rees Spade
Jacelyn Schulz Ottawa
McKenna Bueker Paola
Camryn Grandon
Evan Reitinger
Stratton Draper
Jace Hensley
Rees Chapman Pleasanton
JaLynn Baldwin Prairie View
William Caldwell
Korbin Drennan
Parker Embree
Avarielle Hightower
Mason Mitzner
Bryson Schull
Kimball Uphoff
Maleia Doud Seaman
Michael Vinsonhaler
Ethan Fisher Shawnee Heights
Carter Freeman
Elizabeth Hogan
Jenna Koch
Kaitlyn Leahy
Emma Rambo
Shelby Watson
Hank Newton Southern Coffey County
John Rolf
Trey Winn
Hannah King Spring Hill
Kristen Kohn
Brooklyn Sherron
Hadley Regehr Tonganoxie
Ethan Riley
Paige Vermilye
Dalton Debler Wabaunsee
Parker Holthaus
Grady Perrin
Levi Judd West Franklin
Allyson Williams
Hope Crabtree West Franklin
Bryce Hatfield
Adelle Higbie
S TATE FFA D EGREES
North Central
Landen Barten
Zoe Cox
Taylor Ebersole
Layla Pickerign
Caitlin Webb
Aiden Woods
Abilene
Hadley West Ellsworth
Henry Nelson Herington
Gabriel Vinduska
Kourtney Dibben Junction City
Keira Gliniecki
Shevy Olson
Gracie Hicks Beloit
Jordan Bartlett Bennington
Khloe Dossett
Madison Simmons
Eve Corkill Blue Valley
Tennessee Hartman
Isabel Wright
Teagan Ellis Chapman
Kaden Hitz
Jedidiah Moody
Josie Strauss
Candace Lippe Clay Center
Adalyn Pfizenmaier
Mallory Dobrinski Ellsworth
Jodi Donley
Tucker Goss
Caleb Hays
Paxton Huseman
Josie Kueser
Northeast
Anna Falk Atchison County
Parker Harris
Brylyn Jolly
Parker Koch Centralia
Mason Stallbaumer
Annie Dressman Frankfort
Chase Stallbaumer
Sadie Wessel
Noah Bartel Holton
Madeline Bontrager
Jacob Huyett
Shianne Kimball
Lucas White
Abraham Noll Jefferson County North
Aubree Vering Marysville
Paxton Voet
Ryan Anderson McLouth
Cresinda Bandel
Leanna Larson
Northwest
Keeli Kimzey Hays
Ella Neher
Michael Haffner
Adleigh Ziegler
Hoxie
Lily Rumback Oakley
Madelyn Schiltz
Hayden Stubbs
Clay Guttery Osborne County
South Central
Brady Gorges Andale
Brock Lies
Jackson McCurry
Levi Rohlman
Clara Seiler
Gabe Turk Linn
Easton Ford Manhattan
Gabriel McKinley
Mason Willard
Wyatt Griffin Minneapolis
Lillian Hulse
Ryan Myers
Erica Lieb Pike Valley
Benedict Baxa Republic County
Ellie Bersley-Callaway
Ethan Ines
Olivia Strnad
Emma Strnad Rock Hills
Landon Albrecht Southeast of Saline
McKenzie Baker Washington County
Makenna Elliott
Joseph Kern
Kayley Benner White City
Robert Langill Nemaha Central
Jack Macke
Jade Macke
Elijah Ruegge
Kamden Schmitz
Koree Stuke
Ben Sudbeck
Elijah Sudbeck
Kanin Sudbeck
Kevin Uphaus
Meaa Allen Perry-Lecompton
Estelle Bass
Mickala Melton
Noah Vaughan
Madeline DeWilde
Rafael Silva Riverside
Danica Davis Rossville
Dakota Hittle Royal Valley
Alexandria Kester
Dustin Denton Valley Heights
Hudson Nemechek
Jaden Boyle Phillipsburg
Madison Johnson
Madyson Runyon
Elle Jacobs Smith Center
Jonny Schlatter
Will Tucker
Joel Gilliland St.Francis
Allison Simon Andale
Eliza Aldrich Buhler
Ethan Barrett
Gage Elliott
Kyler Gillespie
Payton Huffman Buhler
Brayden Leiker
Rachael Mourn
Maecy Rosenberger
Ella Sanborn
Scott Schweizer
Juliette Shank
Jake Winters
Jase Beltz Canton-Galva
Leah Brunner Centre
Olivia Carlson
Emilee Remmers
Robert Spohn
Brenson Marsh Chaparral
Kristyn Mcandrew Cheney
Gabriella Robben
Eliza Rosenhagen
Levi Self
Erika Wiese
Cash Young
Staton Harrod Dexter
Chase Combs Fairfield
Garrett Lanning
Braxton Unruh Goessel
Braydon Blubaugh Haven
Kyler Geffert
Noah Miller
Detrick Nisly
Southeast
Addie Finley Chanute
Reed Hurt
Tinley Solomon
Wyatt Stephenson
Violet Stich
Walker Erbe Cherryvale
Westen Erbe
Kole Traylor
LiliAnn Whittley
Gracie Hall Columbus
Madisen Rand
Miley Baumgartel Eureka
Cody Johnson
TJ Mills
Corinne Nelson
Hannah Perrier
Ashton Oneal Fredonia
Kolin Unruh
Josie Gronau Girard
Madelin Beshear Independence
Carly Kramer Iola
Zaylain Baldwin Labette County
Sierra Hill
Lucy Pearson
Jaya Fiscus
Cashlee Smith
Pyper White
Lily Wiley
Sadie Albert Madison
Bayleigh Benjamin
Sadie Davis
Octavian Dean
Reese Hurlburt
Caylin Luthi
S TATE FFA D EGREES
Olivia Bradley Inman
Paul Funk
Brett Jerrick
Tyler Martisko
Devin Penner
Karson Schierling
Ian Schroeder
Braeden Stutzman
Alexis Heinly Little River
JT Denton Lyons
Peyton Kruse
Will Miller
Deacon Showalter
Reece Butcher Newton
Tesslyn Dunn Norwich
Reagan Smith
Connor Commerford Oxford
Emily Hyde
Logan Metz
Samuel Wheeler
Crystian Parson
Owen Nickelson Pratt
Hayden Riffey
Brady Russell South Haven
Kelly Theurer
Cassidy Lawrence Winfield
Ellie Samms
Hope Miller Madison
Kamdynn White
Sophia Heim Marmaton Valley
Delaney Bradford Neodesha
Maggie Chandler
Zain Kaufman
Jenna Meseraull
Tucker Leck
Gavin Boyes Riverton
Genevieve Elliott
Sydney Moore
Kendel Root
Riley Sturgis
Maria Cibrian Uniontown
Jewel Endicott
Colter Powell
Seth Shadden
Klara Stock
Molly Harshman West Elk
Baylee Hogan
Edward Metcalf
Jared Tucker
Garett Usry
Brock Baumgartel
Rachel Humphrey
Elizabeth Woods
Kevin Brown Yates Center
Clayton Culver
Micol Dixon
Madison Hall
Blake Morrison
Lauren Schultz
Wylee Shaffer
STATE FFA DEGREES
Southwest
Biannca Ceniceros Ashland
Skylar Courtney
Sophia Kasella
Rebecca Durler Bucklin
Cody Evans
Sebastian Castillo Garden City
Grady Gleason
Gage Sorensen
James Marquardt Greeley County
Annabelle Schneider
Maggie Votruba
Mary Kathryn Votruba
Jayden Burrows Hugoton
Channing Dillinger
Kendra Hermreck
AMERICAN FFA DEGREES
Grant Niehues Hugoton
Corbin Nix
Breck Averhoff Ingalls
Audra Oborny LaCrosse
Olissa Randa
Grant Mendenhall Lakin
Thomas Peters
Sofia Kasselman Scott City
Jace Miller
Breven Vulgamore
Cole Swank Southwestern Heights
Adeline Woods
Kaden Kendrick Stanton County
Juan Toral
The American FFA Degree is awarded to members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs).The American FFA Degree is awarded at the National FFA Convention & Expo each year to less than 1 percent of FFA members making it one of the organization’s highest honors.
In addition to their degree, each recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key. These members received their American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Convention on October 26, 2024.
Andrew Endicott Ashland
Montgomery Lindeen Axtell
Owen Strathman
Bryce Hoeltzel Blue Valley
Halle Finnerty Burlington
Tori Rossillon
Sage Toews Canton-Galva
Kadence Smith Chaparral
Kacey Butler Chapman
Morgan Way Coffeyville
Emma Albers Doniphan West
Katherine Bruning Ellsworth
Benjamin Daniel Burling Eudora
Karli Neher
Hays
Katina Bartel Holton
Mabel Hilbert Inman
Jenna Curry Iola
Chloe Sell
Mikayla Dawn Dibben Junction City
Katie Belle Zwahlen Labette County
Madisyn Grace Helwig
Connor Bohlken Marysville
Liz Bohlken
Cole Nolte
August Hulse Minneapolis
Hayden Lott
Corbett Hinck Mission Valley
Nicolas Kuntz
Kyler Stephenson
Alexis Studebaker
Julieona Erbe Neodesha
Brylee Budde Newton
Jace Gosch Norwich
Will Sherman Prairie View
Kyra Uphoff
Benjamin Kneisler Royal Valley
Abigail Robinson
Gracie Rose Karst Russell
Hannah Schreiner Seaman
Ben Russell South Haven
Peyton Sherron Spring Hill
Dalton Regehr Tonganoxie
Shailyn June Zenger Washington Co.
Anna Maria Hendricks West Elk
Rachel Elizabeth Hendricks
Leah Riedy White City
Aidan Lee Yoho Yates Center
NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARDS
The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.
Chapters listed in bold are finalists for the Triple Crown Award.
Andale
Arkansas City
Buhler
Burlington
Caldwell Caney
Canton-Galva
Centre
Chaparral
Chapman
Cheney
Cherryvale
Clay Center
Dexter
Ellsworth
Fairfield
Girard
Haven
Hays
Hill City
Hoxie
Inman
Iola
Junction City
Lakin
Leoti
Maize
Manhattan
Marais des Cygnes
Marysville
McLouth
Minneapolis
Mission Valley Neodesha
Ottawa
Prairie View
Republic County
Riverton
Royal Valley
Sedan
Shawnee Heights
Skyline
Tonganoxie
Winfield
PAST TRIPLE CROWN RECIPIENTS
1997 Chapman
1996 Clay Center
1995 Hill City
1994 Plainville
1993 Marysville
1992 Clay Center
1991 Clay Center
1990 Hill City
1989 Concordia
1988 Clay Center
Marion
1987 Mankato 1986 Plainville
Mankato 1983 Marion 1982 Hill City 1981 Marion-Florence
1983-84 Ron Wineinger, Marion President 1977-78 Dee James, Clay Center .......................................
1976-77 Sam Brownback, Prairie View Vice
1975-76 Ron Wilson, Manhattan Vice President
Mark Mayfield, Caney President 1965-66 Joe Detrixhe, Concordia Student Secretary
1943 George Stelter, Abilene ................................ 3rd Vice President
1938-39 Albert Caotes, Jr., Shawnee Mission 3rd Vice President
1932-33
Leo Paulsen, Concordia Student Secretary
1929-30 Boyd Waite, Winfield 4th Vice President
STATE STAR FINALISTS
The State Star Awards represent the best of the best among hundreds of State FFA Degree recipients.
Star in Agribusiness
The FFA member with the best non-production entrepreneurial agribusiness SAE and proven leadership skills is selected to be the State Star in Agribusiness, the highest achievement for a person pursuing a career in agribusiness.
Ethan Kneisler Lyndon East Central
McKenzie Baker Washington County North Central
Noah Bartel Holton Northeast
Clay Guttery Osborne Northwest
Emilee Remmers Centre South Central
Star in Ag Placement
The FFA member with the best placement SAE program and proven leadership skills is selected to be the State Star in Agricultural Placement. The member’s placement experience can include paid labor hours or directed unpaid labor hours.
Mason Mitzner Prairie View East Central
Landon Albrecht Southeast of Saline North Central
Madeline Bontrager Holton Northeast
Adleigh Ziegler Hoxie Northwest
Jackson McCurry Andale South Central
Tucker Leck Neodesha Southeast
Grady Gleason Garden City Southwest
Star Farmer
The FFA member with the top production agriculture SAE program each year is recognized as the State Star Farmer. Considered the highest recognition in the state for an aspiring young farmer, the award recognizes achievement in both career and leadership development.
Josie Kueser Ellsworth North Central
Dustin Denton Valley Heights Northeast
Jase Beltz Canton-Galva South Central
Maggie Chandler Neodesha Southeast
PAST STATE STARS
2025 Star in Agribusiness
2025 Star Farmer
2025 Star in Ag Placement
2024 Star in Agribusiness
2024 Star Farmer
2024 Star in Ag Placement
2023 Star in Agribusiness
2023 Star Farmer
2023 Star in Ag Placement
2022 Star in Agribusiness
2022 Star Farmer
2022 Star in Ag Placement
2021 Star in Agribusiness
2021 Star Farmer
2021 Star in Ag Placement
2020 Star in Agribusiness
2020 Star Farmer
2020 Star in Ag Placement
2019 Star in Agribusiness
2019 Star Farmer
2019 Star in Ag Placement
2018 Star in Agribusiness
2018 Star Farmer
2018 Star in Ag Placement
2017 Star in Agribusiness
2017 Star Farmer
2017 Star in Ag Placement
2016 Star in Agribusiness
2016 Star Farmer
2016 Star in Ag Placement
2015 Star in Agribusiness
2015 Star Farmer
2015 Star in Ag Placement
2014 Star in Agribusiness
2014 Star Farmer
2014 Star in Ag Placement
2013 Star in Agribusiness
2013 Star Farmer
Andrew Garman, Pike Valley
Adelle Higbie, West Franklin
Noah Wiley, Labette County
Christian Peña, Sublette
Ella Pachta, Republic County
Abigail Porter, Beloit
Karlie Albright, Royal Valley
Aidan Yoho, Yates Center
Katina Bartel, Holton
Jay McClure, Hugoton
Wesley Denton, Valley Heights
Nicole Haase, Ellsworth
Austin Simon, Renwick
Levi Meiwes, Iola
Tyler Nelson, Washington County
Kylar Lee, Burlington
Ethan Dickerson, Natoma
Emily Swiger, Coffeyville
Emily Glenn, Scott City
Natalie Hawkins, Atwood
Ryan Stewart, Washington County
Cordell Waggoner, Haven
Tyler Phillips, Mission Valley
Deven Foster, Labette County
Austin Nordyke, Hugoton
Samantha Beauchamp, Holton
Cole Riggin, Riverton
Tate Tremblay, Hill City
Wyatt Harting, Norton
Kord Curran, Girard
Stone Hayden, Chapman
Caleb Obermeyer, Marysville
Tristan Davis, Central Heights
Bryan Otott, Washington County
Zachary Foster, Labette County
2013 Star in Ag Placement Rich Ryckert, Paola
2012 Star in Agribusiness
Ethan Schwarz, Oakley
2012 Star Farmer Greg Harris, Chapman
2012 Star in Ag Placement Nathan Doss, Washington County
2011 Star in Agribusiness Nicholas Peckman, Paola
2011 Star Farmer Kaden Rousch, Smith Center
2011 Star in Ag Placement Dalton Black, Buhler
2010 Star in Agribusiness Kayla Schmitz, Doniphan West
2010 Star Farmer
2010 Star in Ag Placement
2009 Star in Agribusiness
2009 Star Farmer
2009 Star in Ag Placement
2008 Star in Agribusiness
Tyler Rose, Washington County
Alex Goeckel, Washington County
Garrett Lister, Marysville
Ben Meyer, Linn
Tucker Stewart, Washington County
Ben Hutto, Riverton
2008 Star Farmer Miles Theurer, South Haven
2008 Star in Ag Placement
Jesse Muller, Labette County
2007 Star in Agribusiness Ryan Windholz, Hays
2007 Star Farmer Eric Bekemeyer, Washington County
2007 Star in Ag Placement
Kally Hood, Rock Creek
2006 Star in Agribusiness
2006 Star Farmer
2006 Star in Ag Placement
2005 Star in Agribusiness
2005 Star Farmer
2005 Star in Ag Placement
2004 Star in Agribusiness
2004 Star Farmer
2004 Star in Ag Placement
2003 Star in Agribusiness
2003 Star Farmer
2003 Star in Ag Placement
2002 Star in Agribusiness
2002 Star Farmer
2002 Star in Ag Placement
2001 Star in Agribusiness
2001 Star Farmer
2000 Star in Agribusiness
2000 Star Farmer
1999 Star in Agribusiness
1999 Star Farmer
1998 Star in Agribusiness
1998 Star Farmer
1997 Star in Agribusiness
1997 Star Farmer
1996 Star in Agribusiness
1996 Star Farmer
1995 Star in Agribusiness
1995 Star Farmer
1994 Star in Agribusiness
1994 Star Farmer
1993 Star in Agribusiness
1993 Star Farmer
1992 Star in Agribusiness
1992 Star Farmer
1991 Star in Agribusiness
1991 Star Farmer
1990 Star Agribusinessman
Jay Stamm, Washington
Clarke Nelson, Northern Valley
D. Austin Winter, Holton
Alex Gottlob, Winfield
Kyler Ohlde, Linn
Kyle Smith, Arkansas City
Caleb Alexander, Garden City
Chris Bamberger, Jetmore
Clint Wahrman, Atwood
Damian Helms, Linn
Chase Bontrager, Holton
Brock Peters, Linn
Edwin Cooper, Altoona-Midway
Brent Overmiller, Smith Center
Tyler Diepenbrock, Centre
Joey McNaul, Buhler
Caleb McNally, South Barber
Angela Bramlage, Troy
Orrin Holle, Atwood
Michael Cosseman, Jetmore
Anthony Heigert, Wabaunsee
Clint Church, Iola
Steven Friess, Labette County
Dale Brown, Girard
Ervin Underwood, Mankato
Nathan Shaffer, Smith Center
Michael Springer, Neodesha
Ryan Reiff, Chapman
Elizabeth Neufeld, Inman
Trevor Lieb, Pike Valley
Ryan Higbie, Williamsburg
Chris Cairns, Concordia
Jerrod Westfahl, Haven
Kim Whitney, Norton
Brian Sinn, North Central
Brian Biddle, Winfield
Robert Duey, North Central
Steven J. Elstrom, Salina
1990 Star Farmer Leland Porter, Clay Center
1989 Star Agribusinessman Jackie Coltrane, Southeast
1989 Star Farmer John Stika, Centre
1988 Star Agribusinessman
Mark Stenho, Belleville
1988 Star Farmer Brad Grabs, Chaparral
1987 Star Agribusinessman
Troy Rudman, Palco
1987 Star Farmer Bruce Livingston, North Central
1986 Star Agribusinessman
1986 Star Farmer
1985 Star Agribusinessman
1985 Star Farmer
1984 Star Agribusinessman
1984 Star Farmer
1983 Star Agribusinessman
1983 Star Farmer
1982 Star Agribusinessman
Devan Sarver, Iola
Tim Turek, South Haven
Kevin Pool, Coffeyville
Brad Swearingen, Hiawatha
Todd Stritzke, Caney
Matt Wineinger, Marion/Florence
David Pachta, Belleville
Jeff Ochampaugh, Plainville
Mike Torrey, Wamego
1982 Star Farmer Loren Pachta, Belleville
1981 Star Agribusinessman
Daryl Cress, Fredonia
1981 Star Farmer Darrin Jesse, Southeast
AMERICAN FFA DEGREES
1980 Star Agribusinessman
1980 Star Farmer
1979 Star Agribusinessman
1979 Star Farmer
1978 Star Agribusinessman
Larry Wiezorek, Washburn Rural
David Crosson, Minneapolis
Mike Disberger, Haven
Kevin Robinson, Mission Valley
R. Joe Harris, Erie
1978 Star Farmer Michael Smith, Norton
1977 Star Agribusinessman
1977 Star Farmer
1976 Star Agribusinessman
1976 Star Farmer
1975 Star Agribusinessman
1975 Star Farmer
1974 Star Agribusinessman
C. J. Riemann, Hill City
Lorena Croucher, Garnett
Charles Hatch, Salina
Monte Jessup, Phillipsburg
John Bennett, Erie
Jeff Stroup, Prairie View
Vaughn Kirland, Dodge City
1974 Star Farmer Kenneth Lankard, Garnett
1973 Star Farmer
Alan Ochs, Jetmore
1972 Star Farmer Don Garlow, Concordia
1971 Star Farmer Dennis Bradford, Jetmore
1970 Star Farmer
Ron Roth, Clay Center
1969 Star Farmer W. Benson Keil, Concordia
1968 Star Farmer
1967 Star Farmer
1966 Star Farmer
1965 Star Farmer
1964 Star Farmer
Kenneth Conway, Plainville
Michael T. Samples, Erie
Robert E. Wiles, Leoti
Myron D. Schmidt, Goessel
Donald McLaughlin, Stockton
1963 Star Farmer Vernon Mathes, Harper
1962 Star Farmer
Dennie Dechert, Colby
1961 Star Farmer Ronald Mercer, Columbus
1960 Star Farmer Terry Hager, Norton
1959 Star Farmer Clint Birkenbaugh, Kingman
1958 Star Farmer Eldon Eastman, Arkansas City
1957 Star Farmer
PAST AMERICAN STARS
Leo Schwartz, Hanover
Austin Nordyke, Hugoton Star in Agribusiness 2011 Alex Goeckel, Washington County Star in Ag Placement
Caleb Alexander, Garden City Star in Agribusiness
Orrin Holle, Atwood
Farmer
Kyle Cott, Clay Center Star in Ag Placement
Steven Friess, Labette County Star Farmer
1999 Michael Springer, Neodesha
1982
Farmer
Kevin Robinson, Mission Valley Star Farmer
1975 Dan Worcester, Hill City
1957 Jim Jarnigan, Jetmore
1935 Paul Leck, Washington
Farmer
Farmer
Farmer
STATE BAND PARTICIPANTS
Director – Alex McMahon, Andover Central High School
Welcome to State Convention! We are excited for this week’s convention festivities where we celebrate achievements of the past year and recognize the excellence achieved by members from chapters all over the state of Kansas. This week, our agricultural educators together with student representatives of more than 13,700 members across 232 chapters from 103 of the 105 counties in Kansas, converge with donors, leaders, and supporters of the FFA. No doubt, thousands of hours have been invested in projects, events, and instruction and here we celebrate and recognize the achievements over this past year and prepare for the next year’s ambitious plans, all working to achieve the mission of the FFA, and making a positive difference in lives of students through leadership development, personal growth, and career success.
As you read through this guidebook, take note of the many companies, organizations, and individuals who have been willing and continue to invest in the Kansas FFA Foundation. As you may meet some of them and have the opportunity, please take a moment to thank them personally for supporting the Kansas FFA in the quest to prepare each new generation of students for success.
The Kansas FFA Foundation exists to allow for gifts of all kinds, financial, estate gifts, multi-year pledges, and through the organization, all gifts make substantial differences in the lives of FFA members for generations to come. Perhaps ironic, and yet in conjunction with this year’s convention theme of Seek, Innovate, Grow, it is quite fitting that the Foundation’s parallel focus in the past several years has been to Seek out new ways to serve, to Innovate ways to support, and to Grow our resources to support the more than 35% growth in student membership in Kansas FFA in just the past decade.
Thank you for being here this week and celebrating alongside our members, agriculture education professionals, industry leaders, and supporters. Together, the future of agriculture in Kansas and beyond looks very bright, indeed.
Michael “Mike” Smith, Chairman Kansas FFA Foundation Board of Trustees
KANSAS FFA FOUNDATION SPONSORS
Donations received July 1, 2024 – May 10, 2025
C orporate p artners
Premier – $50,000 & above
5 Star – $20,000 to $49,999
4 Star – $10,000 to $19,999
3 Star – $5,000 to $9,999
Ag Mark, LLC
Ag Partners Cooperative
KAAE - Kansas Association of Agriculture
Educators
Kansas Bankers Association
KSU College of Agriculture
MKC
Mustang Seed
Security State Bank
Seitz Fundraising
Vulgamore Family Farms
Yoder Meats
2 Star – $2,000 to $4,999
4 Seasons Fundraising
AGCO Corporation
Berry Companies, Inc.
Cargill - Employee Rewards
Chapman FFA Alumni
Darling Ingredients
Emprise Bank
GN Bank NA
Grass & Grain
Heartland Regional Stockyards
High Plains Journal LLC
KanEquip
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Assn
Kansas Grain & Feed Association
Kanza Cooperative Association
KMT Serivces, LLC
Landoll Company Inc.
Mainquist Farms
Mel Hambelton Ford
MFA Oil
Midwest Dairy
MTI Greenhouse Solutions
Royal Dairy
S&S Rock Crushing, Inc.
SurePoint Ag Systems
Tonja’s Toffee
Walmart
Zoetis/Animal Health International
1 Star – $1 to $1,999
701x Inc.
Ag Direct /FCS
American Implement
Anderes Seed
Animal Health Center of Marion Co.
Black Pearl Livestock
Blaze Fork Enterprises, LLC
Blueville Nursery, Inc
Bucklin Tractor and Implement
Butler Co. Conservation District
Butler County Veterinary Group
C3D Trucking LLC
Carrico Implement Inc.
Casten Farm, LLC
Central Plains Agronomy LLC
Charles Schwab
Circle C Farms
Clay County Conservation District
Crop Quest, Inc.
Crow-Moddie Ford
Dan Brenner Ford, Inc.
Diamond D LLC
E and E Ag Insurance LLC
Farmers Bank
Farmers State Bank
Finney County Conservation District
First National Bank and Trust
Foote Cattle Company
Ford County Conservation District
Fort Hays Tech Northwest
Franklin Co. Conservation Dist.
Furney Construction
Gleue Farms LLC
Gottlob Lawn & Landscape LLC
Grassroots Sod
Harms Plainview Ranch
Heritage Tractor, Inc.
Hiawatha FFA Alumni Association
Hiawatha Implement
Hildebrand Farms Dairy
Honeyman Ford
Hubbard Feeds
Hugoton FFA Alumni
Hummert International
Hutchinson Community College
Jayson Hanschu Insurance
Jessica Smith
Jim Waters
Kalvesta Implement
Kansas Cooperative Council
Kansas Electric Cooperative
Kansas Farmer
Kansas FFA Alumni
Kansas FFA Association
Kansas Forage and Grassland Council
Kansas Forest Service
Kansas State Block & Bridle
Kansas State University
Kansas State University
Agricultural Education Club
Kansas Wheat Commission
KansasLand Tire & Service
Keating Tractor and Equipment Inc
KFRM 550 AM
Kim Nollette Agency, LLC
Kroger
Landmark Implement, Inc
Lewis Ford of Hays
Long McArthur Ford
Manhattan Pizza Ranch
Marshall County Conservation District
Mastre Trucking
Meade County Conservation District
Melby’s Home Center, LLC
Midland Marketing
Mitchell County Conservation District
MJE, LLC
Moxley Ranch
NASCAR
National FFA Organization
Nemaha County Conservation District
Oakes Ford
Omya Inc.
Paypal Giving Fund
Pinnacle Bank
Porter Crop Insurance
Pottawatomie County Conservation Dist.
Prairie View FFA Boosters
PrairieLand Partners
Qdoba ZTopeka, Inc
Quality Motors
Regional Vet Service
Republic Co. FFA Alumni
Roy Farms Charolais
Santa Fe Trail Meats
I nd I v I dual d onors
Scott City FFA Alumni
Shawn Turner- Turner Flowers LLC
Sod Shop Inc.
Springer Family Foods
Stewart Family Farms LLC
SubStandard Feeders
The Trust Company
Town and Country Veterinary Hospital
Triangle H Farms
Tubbs & Sons Ford Sales
Twin Motors Ford, Inc.
United Mosquito & Fly Control
Valor Auto Group
Wallace County Conservation District
Washington FFA Alumni
Westmoreland Lodge No 257 Masons
Wildcat Custard, LLC
Wilson County Conservation District
Zurich, NA
Premier – $10,000 & above
June Beaver
Kevin and Rosemary Harris
Tom and Maggie Hemmer
Doug and Nancy Hofbauer
Rick and Bonnie Coley-Malir
Patricia Mayo
Ken and Diane Wagner
5 Star – $5,000 to $9,999
David and Diana Bradbury
Jeff and Allie Cather
Nelson and Marilyn Galle
Jami and Jarrod Gillig
Sam and Janet Hands
Loran Luthi Family
John and Jennifer Niemann
Michael and Julia Torrey
Keith and Sheri Westervelt
Pat and Janel Wiederholt
4 Star – $2,500 to $4,999
Larry and Donna Erpelding
Hannah and Ryan Hahn
Todd and Janell Harman
JJ Jones and Kevin Briggs
Emily and Jeremy Lehning
Frank and Kallie Male
James and Becky Morgan
Halley and Mark Nett
Lloyd and Judy Schneider
Mike and Mary Smith
Todd Sturgis
Jeffrey J. Zillinger
3 Star $1,000 to $2,499
Lorri Adams
Scott and Barb Albright
Aaron and Erika Allen
Jennifer Anderson
Andy and Ben Armbruster
Keith and Nicole Bryant
Kevin and Brenda Davis
Jerry and Anita DeWeese
Kurt and Pam Dillon
Gregg and Penny Doud
Becky and Tristan Fouard
Randy and Terrie Galle
Bill and Laurel Garlow
John B. Gilliam
Kevin and Brenda Gleason
Michael and Jarah Hauger
Gaea and Mathew Hock
Matt and Kerryann Kocher
Emily and Reed Koop
Corey Krehbiel
Garrett and Alyson Lister
Melanie Mainquist and Ray
Ludowese
Mark Mayfield
Jackie McClaskey and Mike Matson
Anthony Meals
Sean Miller
Andrew Nelson
Joe and Dana Newland
Kyle and Stacie Nichols
Tim and Deb Ohlde
Steve Robb
Lisa and Jerod Ryckert
Devin and Jessica
Schierling
Mark and Nancy Schifferdecker
Dale and Marianne
Seuferling
Ashley Shaneyfelt
Dennis and Ruthie Shurtz
Kelly and Jim Sipes
Jeff and Meredith Sleichter
Colleen and Allen Trater
2 Star $500 to $999
Danette and Todd Amstein
Johanna and Jim Anderes
Jay Armstrong
Justin Bebb
Cade & Jessica Beesley
Tom and Donna Benoit
Travis and Brandi Bray
Robert and Bunny Broeckelman
Sam Brownback
Kenneth Conway
Staci DeGeer
Dix Angus Ranch- Cody Dix
Kevin Donnelly
Chad and Laura Epler
Cory Epler
Rich and Shirley Felts
Drew Goering
Paula Goering
Grant and Sara Groene
Brandon and Lindsey Hamel
Gary D. Harmon
Kelly Haupt
Kevin and Danielle Heikes
Shade Hirons
Ron and Bette Hirst
Harold and Marva Homrighhausen
1 Star – $250 to $449
Stan Albers
Jill and Mike Arensdorf
Scott Ausherman
Cathy Baldwin
Neil and Beckie Bekemeyer
Ray Biederman
Clint Blaes
Jason Tucker
Shelly and Brent Turner
Jonathan and Ann Ulmer
Kim and Mark Viets
Yancy and Christina Wright
Timothy and Lisa Zenger
Lindsey and Mark Huseman
Becky and Andrew Johnson
Mary Kane
John and Kristin Kennedy
Robert Kohman
Troy and Robyn Kolb
Kassie and Austin Long
Beth Ludlum and Mark Fleury
Steve and Michelle Mayo
Nicki McLain
Nicholas Meyer
James Minton
Rick Perkins
Tom and Carolyn Perrier
Laura Schenkelberg
Jay Selanders
Ken Selzer
Allan and Deanna Sents
Riley Sleichter
Robert and Hallie Stewart
Brien and Lynette Stockman
Andrew Cole Strasburg
Chuck and Julie Voelker
Karl and Bailey Wilhelm
Dennis Will
Dale and Carlyn Willingham
Matthew and Donnie Wolters
Harmon and Diana Bliss
Kasie Bogart
Jeff and Dee Bohnenblust
Leland Bray
Parry Briggs
Michael Burns
Jackie and Eric Chandler
Jason and Karly Clinkscale
Garrett Craig
Brad Davis
Michael Dowd
Brad Ellenz
Dean and Sarah Gideon
Ty and Michelle Goossen
Sarah and Brent Goss
Lyle Gottschalk
Paul and Kathy Haley
Max Harman
Brian and Cecilia Harris
Nathan Hart
Corey Hartner
Amy and Christopher Jackson
Timothy and Megan Kilgore
Berend Koops
Jason and Amy Lacey
Nathan Laudan
Karen Laue
Bob and Kay Lee
Grace Luebcke
Stacy Mayo-Martinez
Matt and Lindy McMillen
Janae and Caleb McNalley
William McNeill
James Meinhardt
Mark and Marsha Meyer
Jackie Mundt
Joe Neumann
Bruce Ney
Cesar and Sonya Peña
Nathan Pitts
Don Reese
Cindy Rutledge
Guy and Leslie Shoulders
Merlyn and Melodie Spare
Michael and Christy Springer
Mary McCurry Trust
David and Donna Wagoner
Maurice Waite
John and Marlene Wells
Dan and Shelia Wright
Jill Zimmerman
Lance and Andria Zimmerman
Chapter Seed Participants
Arkansas City
Beloit
Buhler
Centre
Chapman
Clay Center
Ellsworth Haven
Hiawatha
Hill City
Holton Iola
Jefferson West
Lakin
Logan
Lyndon McLouth
Minneapolis
Mission Valley Natoma
Nemaha Central
Ness City
Osborne County
Pike Valley
Republic County
Royal Valley
Sedan
Southeast of Saline
Southwestern Heights
Winfield
Bolded Chapter reached the milestone of $1,000 donated to the Kansas FFA Foundation, and received a complimentary registration to State FFA Convention.
KAAE
• Fresh Texas Citrus
• Quality Smoked Meats
Abilene
Altoona-Midway
Anderson County
Atchinson County
Attica
Atwood
Axtell
Baldwin Beloit
Bennington
Blue Valley
Burlingame
Burlington Caney
Central Heights
Central Plains
Centralia Centre
Chanute
Chapman
Cimarron
Clay Center
Clearwater
Clifton-Clyde
Council Grove
Crest
Cunningham Doniphan West
Ell-Saline
Ellis
Ellsworth
Emporia
Erie
Fort Scott
Frankfort
Fredonia
Garden City Girard
Goessel
Golden Plains
Goodland
Great Bend
Greeley County
Haven
Hays
Hiawatha
Hill City
Hillsboro
Holcomb
Holton
Hope Hoxie
Independence
Ingalls
Inman
Iola
Jackson Heights
Jayhawk Linn
Jefferson West
Junction City
Kingman
La Crosse
Lakin
Leoti
Liberal Linn
Little River
Maize
Marais des Cygnes
Marion
Marmaton Valley
Medicine Lodge
Minneapolis
Mission Valley
Natoma
Nemaha Central
Neodesha
Ness City
Newton
North Lyon County
Northern Valley
Norton
Norwich
Oberlin
Olathe Advanced Technical Center
Onaga
Osawatomie
Ottawa
Oxford
Paola
Perry-Lecompton
Phillipsburg
Plainville
Pleasonton
Pretty Prairie
Quinter
Republic County
Riverside
Rock Creek
Rossville
Royal Valley
Russell
Sabetha
Salina Central
Santanta
Scott City
Sedan
Sedgwick
Silver Lake
Smith Center
Solomon
South Central
South Haven
Southeast
Southeast of Saline
Southern Coffey
Southwestern Heights
Spring Hill
St Francis
St Mary’s
Stanton County
Sterling
Stockton
Sylvan-Lucas
Tescott
Thunder Ridge
Tonganoxie
Troy
Udall
Uniontown
Valley Heights
Victoria
Wabaunsee
WaKeeney
Wamego
Washington County
Wellington
Wellsville
West Franklin
Yates Center
Thank you for supporting
Give FFA Day
February 20, 2025
More than $60,000 raised for Kansas FFA from 380 donors in 24 hours!
Special thanks to match partners: Mustang Seed, Ag Partners Cooperative, Keith and Sheri Westervelt, Kansas FFA Foundation Board of Trustees, K-State Ag Ed Club, Mark Mayfield, Jerry & Anita DeWeese, Grass and Grain, and S&S Rock Crushing
K-STATE CAMPUS
Waters Hall
Justin Hall
Call Hall
THE FFA CREED
I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.
I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.
I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.
I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so – for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.
I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.
The creed was written by E.M. Tiffany of Lyndon, Kansas, and adopted at the Third National FFA Convention. It was revised at the 38th and 63rd National FFA Conventions.
Thank You!
More than 200 alumni, industry representatives • and other individuals united to provide countless hours of their time to plan, organize, and execute all of the events of the Kansas FFA Convention. Kansas is blessed to give members, guests, and supporters an amazing experience of celebration and growth, all with a 100% volunteer-run convention. When seeing any of these volunteers, be sure to thank them for all their work in making the 97th Kansas FFA Convention possible!
Karlie Albright • Grace Allee • Amy Allen
Dr. Taylor Apley • Joey Baker • Tessa Beeman
Clint Blaes • Colton Branch • Dr. Logan Britton
Tyler Cates • Ali Chambers • Hunter Chambers
Jackie Chandler • Ali Corbett • Brenda Corbin • Kai Cox
Rylee Coy • Jayln Davis • Kurt Dillon • Justine Dlabal
